The study, which confidentially analysed mortality rates and occupational data together, found that doctors and other health professionals have very low death rates while factory workers and cleaners have amongst the highest death rates.

Looking at records from 1991 to 2011, researchers found over three-fold differences in mortality rates by occupation, with unemployed men and women faring the worst.

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The project also compared differences in mortality rates between Scotland and the rest of the UK, revealing that higher rates of death in Scotland were concentrated in the lowest skilled occupations.

Lead author of the study Dr Vittal Katikireddi, said: “Our results show that there were very large differences in death rates by occupation, with professional occupations such as doctors and teachers faring far better than factory workers and garment trade workers.

“We studied trends over a twenty year period where we found that in most occupations mortality rates have fallen. However, in some they have remained stagnant and for women in some occupational groups, such as cleaners, mortality rates have even increased.”

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Men who were health professionals (medical doctors, dentists, psychologists, pharmacists, opticians and vets) had the lowest mortality rates. Among women, teachers and business professionals had the lowest mortality.

The highest mortality rates were seen amongst unskilled construction workers and those working in factories or similar settings. However the highest mortality rates overall occurred in men who reported no occupation.

Dr Katikireddi said: “Our study has particular relevance to policy makers in Scotland as there has been considerable concern that health outcomes in Scotland are poorer than elsewhere in Western Europe.

"Addressing Scotland’s ‘sick man of Europe’ status requires paying particular attention to improving health amongst people working in low skilled jobs and who are unemployed.”